I Love “Octopus Balls”. Here Is The Delicious Reason Why…And A Recipe Too!

OK, complete disclosure: I love Octopus Balls. Now, you may want to know why, so let’s take a trip to find out together:

Octopus Balls in Tokyo!

It all began on my first trip to Tokyo, when I had a day to myself to explore.

I wandered through Tokyo’s Asakusa district, filled with small shops – and lots of places to get street food – and came across this incredible food stand: serving up Octopus in many unique ways: you could get it on a stick and of course, they had my first exposure to “Octopus Balls!”

I ate the Octopus on a stick, which was tender and smoky – and of course I had to try a platter of fried Octopus Balls: here’s what they are – chopped up Octopus, vegetables, spices and other Japanese stuff, mixed into a batter that is then deep-fried, then topped with a creamy asian sauce…Wow! I could eat these balls forever!

Of course, not ALL food in Tokyo is for everyone – because I found these for sale as well:

Yes, these are “Almond Fish!” It’s a popular snack in Tokyo, just one of the many unique items I sampled there. You can see more here:

So, I was hooked on Octopus Balls – but what do I do when I’m not in Tokyo?

No worries! Back in LA, I found another place to enjoy Octopus Balls:

Takoyaki! Octopus Balls!

Yes, I found a shop in LA’s Koreatown district that served Octopus Balls as an appetizer…these deep fried Octopus balls came in a delicious mayo with green onions – they were moist, full of great chunks of Octopus, and very filling for an appetizer!

I have eaten octopus in the Mediterranean; fresh caught, and bashed on a rock to tenderise it. (Barbaric to watch…) But I have never had octopus balls. I would try them, if there was anywhere within 150 miles that sold them!
Best wishes, Pete.

I love great food, interesting books, fascinating travel, outrageous movies, and bacon, especially when it sits on top of a great cheeseburger!
I work in entertainment - and I have been lucky enough to interview some really talented Artists - that guides my posts: interesting and provocative movies, music, social media and of course, food, since I believe strongly in the maxim, "everyone eats!"